Control Valve Interview Notes
Q1. What is a Control Valve?
A control valve is the most common final control element in process industries. It regulates fluid flow
(gas, steam, water, chemicals) to maintain process variables like pressure, temperature, flow, and
level at the desired set point.
Q2. What are the main types of control valves?
Two main designs: - Sliding-Stem (linear motion, e.g., globe valves) - Rotary (rotational motion,
e.g., ball, butterfly, plug valves).
Q3. What is Cv (Flow Coefficient)?
Cv is the number of US gallons per minute of water at 60°F that flows through a valve with a 1 psi
pressure drop. It indicates valve capacity and is used for valve sizing.
Q4. What is Deadband in control valves?
Deadband is the range of input change (controller output) without observable output response
(process variable). Caused by friction, backlash, or actuator design.
Q5. Explain Fail-Open and Fail-Closed valves.
- Fail-Closed: Valve closes on loss of actuating energy (air/power). - Fail-Open: Valve opens on
loss of actuating energy. This ensures process/equipment safety.
Q6. Difference between Positioner and I/P Transducer?
- Positioner: Ensures valve reaches desired position based on input signal. - I/P Transducer:
Converts electrical signal (4-20mA) to pneumatic signal (3-15 psi).
Q7. What is Seat Leakage and its classifications?
Seat leakage is the fluid passing through a fully closed valve. Classified by standards: - Class IV:
Industrial tight shutoff - Class V: Extra tight shutoff - Class VI: Bubble-tight shutoff (soft seat).
Q8. What are common actuator types?
- Diaphragm actuators (spring return, air pressure) - Piston actuators (double acting, high force) -
Electric actuators - Rack and pinion actuators
Q9. What problems can cavitation cause?
Cavitation occurs when liquid vaporizes inside the valve due to low pressure and collapses
downstream, causing noise, vibration, erosion, and valve damage.
Q10. What are important standards for valves?
Standards include: - API (American Petroleum Institute) - ASME (American Society of Mechanical
Engineers) - ISA (Instrumentation Society of Automation) - IEC (International Electrotechnical
Commission) - NACE (for corrosion resistance).
